Bringing new features to EDGE
Over the last month, we delivered our second release of the year. This was a significant release with a number of new features and enhancements. I thought this would be a good opportunity to share a little about how we build releases, explain our development process, and highlight how users can get involved.
How we develop EDGE
The EDGE team works using an agile development approach. This means we deliver regular improvements and enhancements through small iterations, focusing on collaboration, continuous feedback and incremental delivery, allowing functionality to grow and evolve over time. We follow a user-centred design approach to the build, involving users throughout the discovery, and design phases to ensure new functionality addresses real-world needs.
Our development backlog is shaped by several sources. Over the last month, we have been working on onboarding new Trusts, implementing recommendations from internal reviews and external penetration testing, and delivering improvements based on user feedback and discussions.
New 'My Saved Searches' functionality
One recent example is the new 'My Saved Searches' functionality. We are beginning a programme of work focused on helping users stay informed about new studies in EDGE that may be relevant to them. Saved Searches is the first step in that journey, allowing users to save search criteria and receive notifications when new studies matching those criteria are added.
This is a good example of our agile approach to development. Our broader goal is to support users throughout the entire study engagement process - from discovering relevant studies through to recording expressions of interest and assessing feasibility. Rather than delivering everything at once, we are starting with the first step: helping users find studies more effectively. Future developments will build on this foundation.
Help shape the future of EDGE development
To support this process, we are looking at creating a dedicated space within our community forum where the EDGE team and the community can discuss ideas and help shape future development of the EDGE service. We encourage anyone interested in influencing the direction of the platform to get involved. More information will be shared in an upcoming user newsletter. If your an EDGE user and wish to subscribe, email us here.
